Making a terrace usable even during the colder months allows bars and restaurants to extend the use of their outdoor spaces and provide customers with a higher level of comfort.
In open or semi-open environments, however, heating the air can be inefficient because heat tends to disperse quickly. For this reason, infrared heating is a particularly suitable solution for outdoor seating areas, verandas, covered patios and terraces.
How infrared heating works
The principle is simple: instead of heating the entire volume of air, the heater transfers energy directly to people and surfaces. This makes it possible to create localized comfort zones, for example around tables, without having to heat the entire outdoor area.
Infrared technology includes different types of radiation, each with specific characteristics. The most suitable choice depends mainly on how open the terrace is, its exposure to wind and the type of comfort required.
Open terraces: fast and direct heat is essential
When an outdoor seating area is very open and exposed to air currents, it is important for the heat to reach people quickly without depending on the temperature of the surrounding air. In these situations, short-wave IR-A infrared heaters are particularly suitable thanks to their immediate response.
One example is IRIS, the MO-EL range developed for heating outdoor and professional environments. Its compact structure and IP55 protection rating make it suitable for outdoor installations, while versions equipped with a remote control allow simple management of switching the heater on and off.
IRIS is therefore particularly suitable for exposed terraces, open outdoor dining areas and environments where heating needs to be available quickly only when customers are actually present.
Outdoor seating areas and verandas: comfort with reduced light emission
When the space is partially sheltered, comfort may become more important than heating speed alone. In these situations, medium-wave IR-B technology can be an interesting solution, combining a fast heating response with lower visible light emission.
AAREN was developed precisely with this objective in mind. It uses two infrared lamps combined with a special ceramic glass designed to allow a large proportion of IR-B radiation to pass through while simultaneously reducing visible light. The result is immediate heat with a more discreet visual impact, making it particularly suitable for terraces, verandas and spaces where the aesthetics of the environment also play an important role.
The possibility of controlling the two lamps separately also allows the heater to operate at reduced power when weather conditions permit.
Sheltered spaces: softer heat with no visible light
In enclosed verandas or terraces that are particularly well protected from the wind, a softer and more uniform type of heat may be preferable. In these situations, long-wave IR-C systems, such as those in the HOT-TOP range, can be used.
HOT-TOP was developed to optimize heat emission and improve comfort. Unlike traditional short-wave heaters, it does not emit visible light and produces a softer form of heat, making it particularly suitable for environments where people remain seated for long periods. Its minimalist design also allows the heater to blend easily into the furnishings of restaurants, terraces and hospitality spaces.
Heating under parasols
In many bar and restaurant terraces, the space is organized around parasols or lightweight covers. In these situations, it can be useful to install appliances specifically designed for this type of setup.
LUCCIOLA, for example, is a particularly versatile solution that can be installed on a wall, on a pole or directly under parasols. This flexibility makes it possible to bring the heat closer to the areas occupied by customers without having to radically change the layout of the outdoor space.
Heating only where it is needed
One of the main advantages of infrared heating in the hospitality sector is the possibility of designing the system by zones. Instead of heating the entire terrace uniformly, it is possible to concentrate the heaters around the tables that are actually being used.
To achieve an effective result, however, several factors should be carefully assessed:
- area to be heated;
- exposure to wind;
- installation height;
- table layout;
- distance between the heater and people;
- level of protection provided by the surrounding space;
- average length of time customers remain in the area.
The orientation of the heaters is also essential: a correctly positioned appliance can distribute heat more evenly and significantly improve perceived comfort.
MO-EL solutions for bars, restaurants and hospitality
At MO-EL, we develop heating solutions designed for professional environments and the Ho.Re.Ca. sector. The availability of different technologies makes it possible to select the most suitable system according to the actual characteristics of the space, from a completely open outdoor seating area to a more sheltered veranda.
For this reason, when designing a terrace heating system, the question should not simply be “how much power is required?”, but above all: “where does the heat need to reach, and which technology is best suited to this environment?”
It is from this assessment that an effective, targeted heating system can be developed, providing comfort that is consistent with the specific needs of the venue.
